Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics
Choosing to leave the tranquil countryside of a Spanish island for the bustling atmosphere of Europe’s largest city was intimidating. However, the last 18 months in London have been the most rewarding and thrilling of my existence.
London is an energetic, diverse, historic metropolis brimming with a plethora of dining options, events, and attractions—navigating it is always an escapade! Yet, adapting to life in a different country can pose its challenges. Here are some insights I gained as an international student in London, along with hints and advice for settling in comfortably.
Relocating to London as a graduate student
The initial task in relocating to London is identifying the ideal place to call home. I leveraged Instagram, TikTok, and various online forums to investigate different London neighborhoods that might be enjoyable to reside in. I found that Camden Town boasts a vibrant nightlife, Hackney is a rising gem in east London, and Putney offers a peaceful, green residential environment.
Having traveled to London prior to commencing my Master’s, I had the opportunity to personally explore these areas before making a living choice. I opted for Putney, and my flatmates (whom I connected with during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized platforms like SpareRoom and Rightmove to seek out budget-friendly house shares. We arranged online viewings with property owners and ultimately found a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.
Activities in London
Once you’ve settled down and personalized your new space, a vast array of opportunities and events await. The real challenge in London lies in selecting which activities to engage in and making time for them all!
Imperial’s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a district honoring art, production, and science. In close proximity, you can find a spectacular collection of museums, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic for exploration, and some even operate late on Fridays. On the last Friday of every month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, transforming into a lively gathering with beverages and live music!
Apart from visiting museums, I relish discovering East London districts like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This area is rich in historical and artistic landmarks, making it a delightful zone to stroll and uncover. My preferred location is Trinity Buoy Wharf, constructed on an old canning warehouse. It now hosts a startup that designs temporary structures from shipping containers, celebrating inventive manufacturing with numerous art studios and the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his research!
Dining in London
London presents a wealth of savings if you know where to search, featuring various choices for affordable yet scrumptious dining. Throughout my time in London, I have gathered a list of food venues with assorted deals across the city, making dining out more budget-friendly.
One notable place is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers offers an Oyster Happy Hour, enabling you to savor oysters for just £1 each! This is an amazing offer, particularly if you crave the flavors of home seafood and wish to treat yourself to oysters without overspending.
Tooting in South London is also celebrated for its food scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food markets showcasing a wide range of cuisines. If you’re on the hunt for food reminiscent of home, I strongly recommend checking out the Tooting food markets!
Taking respite from the city
While the city’s rhythm contributes to London’s allure, there are times when the Tube becomes overly boisterous, or the streets feel excessively packed. Thankfully, London is centrally located within an extensive network of trains and coaches, making it convenient to flee the city for a weekend.
My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in history and having a variety of student-friendly spots. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) features a large botanical garden in Wisley, perfect for a summer excursion.
In conclusion, London is a dynamic city filled with opportunities and places to discover, so take your time to explore all it has to offer during your time at Imperial!
To learn more about my experiences, check out my Imperial story.
<footer